PREVIEW – Illegal Jacks, Lothian Road

Illegal Jacks, Lothian Road

Illegal Jacks is a brand new restaurant on Lothian Road which previewed this evening. Edinburgh Spotlight was lucky enough to be one of them since we love all things food !

Serving up what promises to be the ‘best South West American food in town’, the owners AC Muir and Graham Hall have been two years planning and bringing to life this new concept of good quality fresh food, served fast.

Taking up residence at the premises previously owned by Pizza Hut, diagonally opposite the Odeon cinema, this 100 seat restaurant is going to be handy for office workers and students at lunchtime and ideal for a quick bite to eat before attending a show at one of the nearby theatres or cinemas.

Food is fresh and served in front of the diners’ eyes with an open plan preparation area and views into the kitchen.

Kitchen at Jacks

I can’t think of anywhere else similar in Edinburgh as the food covers burritos and tacos similar to those served from California to Texas and all areas in between. Mr Muir was keen to point out that he has not chosen the Mexican route as some people may think, as burritos were actually invented in America. The walls of the restaurants are decorated with the origins and meanings of the meals served up.

Definitions as decorations

Jack’s has a ‘four step plan’ according to their menu, choosing a ‘weapon’ of a burrito, taco or quesadilla and then ‘filling it with the good stuff’ – a choice of chicken, beef steak or sauteed vegtables or vegertarian chilli, making sure everyone is catered for. The third and fourth step is adding some black or pinto beans and topping with salsa (mild, hot or roasted).

Fajitas, come under ‘Jack’s Specials’ and are the only thing on the whole menu you have to sit in to eat as they come in hot skillets (everything else is available to take away). Other specials include chili bowls, nachos (with the tortilla chips served hot, not just melted cheese on top of cold ones), again with a choice of chicken, beef chili, vegetarian chill or just cheese. Salads and chicken wings finish the specials list and my mouth is watering thinking of all the fantastic combinations.

The menu is finished off with soft drinks, Lavazza coffee and Twinings tea.

Fresh produce and ingredients

Mr Muir told Edinburgh Spotlight that all the staff have been carefully chosen and passed every food hygiene and health and safety course required. There are 6 full time members of staff with the rest of them being university students working part time and studying courses such as chemistry, languages and psychology when not smiling and providing good service ! Having had a part time job whilst studying at university himself, Mr Muir is offering staff incentives to keep and reward loyal members of the team.

Wooden seating at Jacks

There was a selection of the menu on offer and I am pleased to report everything I tasted was delicious. The chicken was extremely flavoursome and the roasted salsa a great option for those that don’t like the hot stuff. The portions were very generous and I hope this transfers over to the paying public. With a few minor tweaks to production line, I am sure this will be a slick way to get your hands on Illegal Jacks’ food.